JAMBALAYA RECIPE
JAMBALAYA RECIPE is a easy Cajun recipe that serves 6. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Downshiftology on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $23.69 total, $3.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Paprika (sweet paprika preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt
- 2 tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 1 tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 2 ribs Celery (chopped)
- 2 Bell Pepper (any color, chopped)
- 1 large Onion (chopped)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 11 ounces Andouille Sausage (sliced into bite‑size rounds; substitute Spanish chorizo if unavailable)
- 1 pound Chicken Breast or Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 pound Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1.5 cups Long‑Grain White Basmati Rice (rinsed; can substitute parboiled rice for firmer texture)
- 15 ounce can Crushed Tomatoes
- 3 cups Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
Instructions
Prepare Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Combine paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Prep the Holy Trinity Vegetables
Trim and dice 2 ribs of celery, 2 bell peppers, and 1 large onion. Place the chopped vegetables in a mixing bowl.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Garlic and Proteins
Smash 4 garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife, peel, and set aside. Slice 11 oz Andouille sausage into bite‑size rounds. Cut 1 lb chicken (breast or thighs) into bite‑size pieces and toss with 1 Tbsp of the homemade Cajun seasoning, coating evenly.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Chicken
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and just cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium-high
Brown the Sausage
If the pot looks dry, add an additional 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add the sliced Andouille sausage in a single layer and brown 3 minutes, flipping once, until a crust forms. Transfer sausage to the same plate with the chicken.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium-high
Sauté the Holy Trinity
Add the chopped celery, bell peppers, and onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until softened and the vegetables release their moisture.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Toast the Rice
Add 1½ cups rinsed basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat each grain with the seasoned oil and vegetables. Cook for 1 minute.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Add Liquids and Simmer
Stir in 1 bay leaf, the 15‑oz can of crushed tomatoes, and 3 cups low‑sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Cook the Rice
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 7–8 minutes until just al dente. Stir once or twice gently; avoid excessive stirring.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Low
Finish with Shrimp and Rest
Remove the bay leaf. Add 1 lb jumbo shrimp, the cooked chicken, and sausage back into the pot. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 4–5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the remaining liquid is absorbed.
Time: PT5M
Garnish and Serve
Stir in chopped green onions and fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: Shellfish
Last updated: April 18, 2026








